105) Why supporting community-based organizations may be key to environmental justice with Peggy Shepard

Published: Jan. 22, 2019, 6:35 p.m.

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In addition to supporting the most established national or international environmental nonprofits, why do we also need to simultaneously support local, small, and community-based organizations? What\'s the importance of making sure that key decisions, policies, and solutions are made in the presence of people from a diversity of backgrounds?

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Sharing her wisdom with us here is Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT For Environmental Justice. You\'ll hear about how grassroots initiatives can lead to meaningful change for citizens; how large environmental organizations differ in their measures of success and focus compared to community-based organizations; how we can support environmental justice as individuals; and more. Let\'s dive in!

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HIGHLIGHTS

[8:18] Peggy: "The environmental justice movement really coalesced around the fact that low-income communities and communities of color were being targeted for polluting facilities, but not receiving environmental benefits like parks and alternative energy options like solar and natural gas."

[9:23] Peggy: "We believe that the voices of the affected residents are the ones that should take leadership on these issues."

[12:11] Peggy talks about the prevalence of systemic environmental racism in the U.S. that is perpetuated by public policy and the history of inequality.

[24:20] The differences in how large-scale, national nonprofits measure success compared to community-based organizations, and why we cannot overlook supporting the latter.

[27:20] Peggy: "We\'ve got to have a diversity of perspectives because it enriches all of our policies and it enriches our lives."

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Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/105, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you\'re tuning in!

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